How We Can Pawsitively Change the World

Get ready for a wild, furry, and feathered ride into the fascinating world of bioethics, where humans meet their furry, scaly, and feathery friends in the most unusual way. You see, we've always known animals are special, but have you ever thought about treating them as more than just pets, entertainment, or even a quick snack?

Meet the maverick of bioethics, the maestro of morality, the guru of all things ethical – Itzcóatl Maldonado Reséndiz. This academic powerhouse from the University Program of Bioethics at UNAM has a thing or two to say about our relationship with animals. Buckle up because we're about to dive deep into the world of “Zooethics.”

Itzcóatl believes that we need to step up our game when it comes to animals. He thinks it's time we stopped treating them like glorified doormats and started seeing them for what they truly are: beings with feelings and emotions, just like us. It's time for us to realize that animals are more than just pets, livestock, or lab rats. They're not just for our amusement or the subject of our scientific curiosity.

According to this bioethics wizard, animals deserve better. They deserve protection and representation, not ownership. Instead of being used for our needs, we should be looking out for their welfare and interests. They require someone to guard their rights, just like a superhero protecting the city from villains. In fact, they should be under the umbrella of the law, ensuring their well-being is secured.

Historically, humans have treated animals as commodities – a means to an end. We've used them for food, entertainment, and a lot more, often ignoring their suffering in the process. It's like we saw them as the ultimate 'All-You-Can-Eat Buffet' without ever considering the impact on them.

It's all because we've been believing that animals aren't in the same league as us humans. We've long harbored this notion of dominance and discrimination, creating a monstrous “speciesism.” Speciesism is a term that basically means treating animals unfairly based on their species. So, it's not just about picking favorites; it's about picking favorites based on who's 'useful' to us.

The favorites in this bizarre show are frequently our pets – they get the royal treatment. Meanwhile, animals used for food production typically end up with the short end of the stick. And let's not even talk about those considered pests or threats to us; their situation is nothing short of grim.

Itzcóatl points out that speciesism is as unjust as any other form of discrimination – be it based on gender, race, skin color, ideology, or religion. That's right; you can't simply justify treating one being better than another just because they have feathers, fur, or fins.

But it's not all bad news! It's time to don our superhero capes of responsibility and take action. Responsibility isn't just about bioethics; it's a mix of legal, economic, and social considerations, especially when it comes to our beloved companions.

We've got to make sure we know the ropes of being a responsible guardian. Ignorance of the law won't cut it anymore. Itzcóatl reminds us that in Mexico City, Article 13 of the Political Constitution recognizes animals as sentient beings. It's like a legal love letter to all creatures great and small. Every citizen in the capital is ethically obliged and legally bound to respect the lives and dignity of these special beings.

And that's not all! The animal protection law in Mexico City ensures that we're all in this together. It doesn't matter if you're a pet owner, a professional veterinarian, or just an animal lover; you've got an obligation to be a hero in the eyes of your animal friends.

We're on the brink of a new era, one where we embrace our responsibility to animals and treat them with the respect and care they truly deserve. It's time to say goodbye to speciesism, wave farewell to our old ways, and welcome a new era of kindness, compassion, and quirky adventures in the world of bioethics.